Working Online
Online Counselling
I understand how everyday life can get in the way of things we need most for ourselves. We can spend our days interacting with external things and look outside of ourselves for answers rather than connecting within. “How can we make time for counselling when there is already not enough hours in the day?” Looking in the mirror and choosing to explore within ourselves is the only way to find the answers to some of life’s most difficult questions. I am interested in learning more about the things that matter to you, as well as the people and things you value and care about.
Online, you can seek help and connect with others more readily. With online counselling, we have the flexibility to meet at any time that is convenient for us both. With online technology, you can choose your working location as well as choose your schedule. All that is needed is a private space to talk, a stable internet connection, and a device with a front-facing camera or webcam and microphone.
Our video sessions together will be completely secure and totally private using Jane.app on a web browser.
Online Counselling offers more choices and many potential benefits:
Online counselling can be wherever you are in the UK. It could be in your home, your workplace, even in the car!
A greater choice of counsellors online, compared to being restricted by location.
Online counselling may be more readily available than in person and often more flexible with scheduling.
You can simply conduct your sessions with me from the comfort of wherever you are - without potential problems caused by travel, bad weather, parking, distant location or mobility issues, and with no transport costs.
There is a significant time benefit of not having to travel.
If you are feeling low in mood or energy, you do not have to physically motivate yourself to attend sessions somewhere else.
There is no risk of being seen by others visiting a counselling practice and you do not need to be concerned about bumping into your counsellor in a social situation.
Confidentiality and peace of mind are provided by secure and encrypted online platforms.
Your own choice of location that is convenient for you and where you feel comfortable, safe, secure and private.
Wearing comfortable clothing might help you feel contained and “cuddled” in your own space, making you feel more at ease.
Talking and expressing yourself online may be easier for you.
Focus and concentration are generally enhanced when there are fewer visual distractions.
There are a variety of life challenges, such as childcare or the workplace that might hinder face-to-face counselling. It can be much easier to persevere and continue counselling and working together online.
Your support can continue, even if you frequently travel or work away from home.
According to research, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Jane.app
I have chosen the technology carefully to make it as comfortable and simple to use as possible.
Jane.app is an all-in-one health and wellness practice management platform which provides completely private, secure encrypted video/audio calls and online booking. It is a website https://jane.app/ and is accessed via an internet browser on your smartphone, tablet or computer. Apple recommends their Safari browser and Google Chrome is recommended for PC and Android users.
Using the Jane.app you will have access to a secure client portal through which you can view and manage your upcoming appointments, and connect to your online sessions with me. You can set up your account when you make your first booking and receive a warm welcome email.
30 minutes before a scheduled appointment, you will receive a reminder email with a Begin button at the bottom to connect you to the “waiting room” for our session. You can also access the Begin button directly when you are logged into your account on the Jane.app website. I will then join you for our online appointment, at the agreed time.
Some General Things to Consider ahead of time - to reduce interruptions or distractions during a session:
Ensure the camera on your device is working and that your camera position is correct; the profile image should occupy the entire screen. Check that your microphone is working and that your levels are acceptable.
Place your device on a flat surface at a comfortable viewing angle rather than holding it, to minimise any distraction.
Check that your device is turned on and fully charged (ideally plugged into the mains, if possible).
Ensure your device is up to date with the latest software updates.
Close other programmes on your device and ideally disable digital notifications, such as email, social media, text messages, etc.
If you are not using your mobile, remember to put it on silent mode or turn it off.
It may be helpful to use headphones or a headset to improve sound quality and give an increased feeling of privacy.
Online Therapy - working remotely
According to research, online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy. This is not to say there will not be challenges along the way. Working online might not be suitable for everyone and it might not be able to resolve every difficulty. If I think a different type of help would be more appropriate for you, I will say so and we could talk it through.
Within a therapeutic relationship, trust and connection can be created just as fully and authentically as when working in person. If this is a new experience for you, there may be a transition to online counselling. To help in building trust and creating a safe and confidential environment between us, you will need a suitable private space to communicate from. Somewhere in the house or at work where you will not be overheard, interrupted, or observed.
Are you comfortable seeing yourself on screen?
If you think seeing yourself may be distracting, you can make the window showing yourself smaller. When compared to face-to-face counselling, working remotely limits how much we see of each other, so some visual cues could be missed. To get round this, I may ask additional questions about how you are feeling physically and emotionally.
Please be mindful of misunderstandings
With online counselling, miscommunication can occur due to the absence of visual cues. It is possible that video or audio quality could be affected by poor internet connection. Please let me know immediately if you feel misunderstood or if there are issues with video freezing or my speech faltering. Patience may be needed for occasional requests for clarification.
Setting aside time and space for oneself is important
Although it may be unfamiliar at first, setting aside some quiet time and space to check in with your body and emotions can become a healthy self-care habit. In today’s fast-paced society, slowing down can help and become a way of being. I encourage taking a 5-10 minute break at the end of each session. Pausing for a few moments can gently redirect any distractions and mental preoccupations, creating a safe and supportive environment for exploring your inner self at your own pace.
Take a moment to pause and gently quieten your mind. Embrace any feelings of restlessness, discomfort, or distress that come up, and allow yourself to be powerfully present with them. Breathe deeply; close your eyes if you can; find comfort by focusing on your out-breath; and unwind as you exhale. If you are feeling overstimulated, you may find it beneficial to release tension by moving or shaking out different parts of your body. This technique can also be useful if you are experiencing feelings of numbness or low energy.
Spend some quality time in silence, noticing whatever body sensations and emotions are present, and allowing any feelings to be there. This can make room for exploring, acknowledging, and accepting our vulnerabilities. It can raise our awareness and offer a way of reconnecting and restoring a deeper sense of self. You can benefit from calm surroundings. Sit, look out the window, listen to music, go outdoors, or take a walk before approaching people - see which works best for you.
Having a backup plan can help reduce anxiety
Before we talk on the telephone for the first time, I ask clients for an emergency name, contact number, and GP information.
Online counselling is technical in nature, and problems with the Internet may occur. Please ensure you have a good signal and that your device and mobile are charged beforehand.
If there is internet disruption to our session or the meeting ends suddenly, we might have to continue via telephone. If this happens, I will call you on the mobile number you gave me.
If you do not attend the session within 15 minutes of the start time, I will text you before I end the session to ask if you are joining or not. You are responsible for coming to your session on time; if you are late, your appointment will still need to end on time. Because it is your time, I hold you in mind whether you attend the appointment or not.
Some Useful Technical Considerations:
If you are using an Apple iOS device (iPhone or iPad) to connect to Jane.app, you will be prompted to install the Jane Online Appointments App from the Apple App Store. You can visit the App Store HERE.
Online appointment sessions with Jane.app can be viewed on your smartphone or tablet but are best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer, which will provide a larger, more in-depth image.
Apple recommends their Safari browser, and Google Chrome is recommended for PC and Android users for the best quality connection.
As with all forms of Internet communication, if someone has access to your login details or has installed a virus on your device, it is possible your Jane.app account could be compromised, so please keep your login details safe, secure and private, with a strong password.
Routinely check your computer system for viruses and trojans.
If you share a computer or mobile device, be sure you know who has access. Is it possible that your email is read by someone else, such as a family member?
It is best to keep in mind that if you work from home and use a phone, tablet, laptop, or computer provided by your employer for your sessions, they may be able to monitor your online activities (i.e. the sites you visit, such as Jane.app).
